Cutting is complicated

People think voters are angry now? Just wait until they get all those spending cuts they keep asking for. Or don't. For Republicans, should they win back the House of Representatives, more gridlock on spending could bring political peril. But if they succeed, the Age of Austerity — American-style — could very well turn our current Tea Party-driven politics upside down.

In just 18 months, the political narrative of hope and change in 2008 has turned to anger over federal spending and the growth and reach of government. One month from now President Obama's debt commission will return its recommendations, though its own members don't expect enough consensus to actually earn a vote in Congress. Without a bipartisan plan, GOP leaders — likely in control of the House — will be left to come up with cuts they have yet to specify and Americans have yet to agree on before they begin campaigning again 18 months from now.

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What spending cuts are voters ready for? They're not exactly sure. New data from The Hill 2010 Midterm Election Poll show a majority of voters are sure they want a reduction in government spending, even if it means less money for their own districts. But majorities of likely voters — Republicans, independents and Democrats — also oppose cuts to Social Security, Medicaid or defense spending, according to the poll, conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland.

Republicans, including their newest members, are virtually unanimous in their opposition to new taxes to reduce deficits. And Democrats and Republicans alike on Capitol Hill concede that some version of entitlement reform is the only way to eliminate rising deficits. Yet polls show a majority of Americans don't know that Social Security, Medicare and defense spending make up half the federal budget.

Sure, Americans don't want bailouts for wealthy corporations, and they don't want debt. But the country is divided, and so are both political parties, over what essential services are. It's a thorny subject — just ask the Greeks, the British and the French.

Republicans, should they prevail in winning back a majority in the House on Tuesday, have their work cut out for them. Even if they don't control the Senate, and can't be expected to pass bills into law, they will be expected to start trimming. And get reelected at the same time. It will be a mighty task.